American Idol Report – Break Out The Keytar For 80’s Week

Despite the fact that few of the contestants were even alive in the 80's, American Idol's took us back to that fabulous decade last night with the top 8. While I thought most did pretty well it was the 'non-judged' duets that really shined last night.

To say they aren't judged isn't really fair, because we, the viewers, see it and judge on it before voting, so in all reality, they're judged. That's a good thing, because a few of them really shined like this Dolly and Kenny classic from Colton and Skylar.

I do like how Colton controlled the pace and harmonies on this country song, which is so out of his game, but that just shows how professional this front-runner is already! Now how about this soulful tune that J-Lo implied could be the final match-up, with Jessica and Joshua.

Great duet, but I disagree these two will be in the finals. Both are good enough, but Colton is gonna win it all, there I said it. Now, let's see how good the rest of my predictions are this week.

Safe For Sure:

Colton - Doesn't matter than he ripped off someone else's version of "Time After Time." It sounded like his and he owned it!

On The Fence:

Joshua- Not sure I can put anyone else in the "safe" category tonight, but Joshua was the next up. I still think he's over-singing everything, especially "If You Don't Know Me By Now" where he never hit the melody...so why'd I put him here again? Not sure.

Jessica- She got a lot of praise, but I wasn't thrilled with her performance last night. She sang Whitney (again) and they loved it. I think she loses her charisma when she sings an upbeat song like "How Will I Know."

Skylar - Very surprised she didn't do "9 to 5," but she shined for the judges with "Wind Beneath My Wings." I still don't believe she's the next Carrie or Scotty. You have to have pretty good chops to just slide into the country music world.

DeAndre - I still can't believe I'm putting him up this far, but he keeps surviving, so I'm sure his high note filled El DeBarge song will carry him through.

Bottom 3:
Phillip - Yeah, I know...I can't believe he's here either, but I think the schtick is wearing off. UP against the stiff competition, I don't think he'll come out too high after the Genesis song, but he should still be safe.

Hollie - Great voice, but her flaws are beginning to show. "Flashdance" could have been a good choice, but she seemed very stiff and it'll be a toss up between her and the next contestant for elimination tonight.

Going Home:
Elise - She has been in the bottom way too much, and even though I disagree with Steven that Foreigner's "I Want To Know What Love Is" was wrong for her, I don't think it was enough for voters. I also believe Elise may be the last one that the judges won't save, so I think we say goodbye to her tonight.
Phillip -